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Model United Nations, commonly known as MUN, is a simulation of the United Nations. In this simulation participants (students and young professionals) take on the roles of foreign diplomats and debate contemporary international matters. Depending on the UN body he or she is assigned to this can vary from a military crisis or human rights abuses to climate change. The Rotaract Global Model United Nations for 2017 will take place in Beirut, Lebanon, and for the first time in the Middle East...

My name is Maxton R Scotland and as the Secretary General, I would like to welcome you to the 2017 Session of Rotaract Global Model United Nations (RGMUN) in Beirut, Lebanon August 17-20th 2017. I attended my first MUN in 2014, in London and have been closely involved with MUN ever since. This conference offers young people from around the world a unique opportunity for meaningful debate. As someone who is well practised in, public speaking, debate and MUNs, I have seen first-hand the holistic development of individuals, post conference. We provide a platform to encourage the exchange of ideas and informed dialogue, and to display positive leadership, tolerance, democracy, and respect. These are the key elements of a Model UN and indeed the fundamental aspects that inform our daily lives. You will learn how to achieve a consensus through negotiation, which will undoubtedly help you in your future endeavours.

RGMUN has demonstrated that Rotaract can host a successful international event, centred around the decision-making process. The successes in Baia Mare - Romania, London - United Kingdom, Belgrade - Serbia, the UN Headquarters - New York and Sofia -Bulgaria, mean that it is fitting that RGMUN takes its 5th session to the Middle East. This year, we will, for the first time take the decision-making process to Beirut, Lebanon – a city that has maintained a proud tradition of internationalism and integration since 1948, when it welcomed the first wave of refugees from the Arab-Israeli war to its shores. Throughout my time as Secretary General, I look forward to bringing an even higher profile to what I see as a deep compatibility of objectives and values between Rotaract, young professionals, the United Nations and its entities.

I look at how the future generation of leaders and directors develop the diplomatic skills that enable them to achieve what is expected of them and I am amazed at the inspirational and unwavering commitment, expressed by all, to promote better relations between people worldwide. This is indeed living up to the UN Charter’s promise to “practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours”. I passionately support the cosmopolitan emphasis RGMUN places on the leadership of young people. In fact, the prospect of empowering youth is what attracted me to Model UN in the first place. I intend to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the full potential of this compatibility is realised – and make RGMUN a unique platform for young people to have their voices heard.

The theme for this year is ‘A Nuclear Free World’. There has never been a more important time than 2017 for the world’s youth to have their say on global issues, especially on this key topic of strategic importance. Throughout my career, I have always emphasised the importance of the UN to international politics. I firmly believe that, with the re-launch of the Millennium Development Goals, [to Sustainable], along with continuing debates around armed conflict, gender equality and the rise in Nuclear activities, my choice of Committees will enable delegates to debate these vital issues, and, crucially, do so in a way that has an impact on the UN itself. I have never seen MUN as a purely academic exercise and so I am especially delighted to announce the establishment of our Crisis Committee and a Rapporteur’s Office that will convey the results of the conference directly to UN officials.

The UN faces significant challenges, and I strongly believe that the powerful voice of united and informed young people is a critical element in identifying the solution to these challenges. I very much look forward to welcoming all of you to the 2017 Session of Rotaract Global Model United Nations, and being inspired by the solutions you propose.